Rich or poor? Social status may indicate chemical exposure. |
Poor people (especially children in need of food assistance) had higher levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in their urine, while wealthier people had higher levels of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs).
The high BPA levels could be explained by the widespread use of canned food in food assistance programs.
Researchers warn that alternatives to canned foods may have to found, or companies may have to adjust their can liners.
Some companies may have gotten the message earlier. Campbell’s Soup recently announced it was moving away from using BPA in their can linings.
The study by Boston University researchers did not address potential health risks associated with these chemical compounds.
However, previous studies have linked BPA with behavioral impacts, development changes, decreased sperm count, higher risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity as well as heart disease.
PFCs have been linked to developmental delays, cancer and suppressed immune responses, among other possible health effects. The chemicals are used to make materials stain and stick resistant.
Source: Environmental Health News
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